[TR] - Wy'east 6/11/2011

[ptownclimber]

Trip: - Wy'east

 

Date: 6/11/2011

 

Trip Report:

After several botched attempts I finally completed this route. I had wanted to climb the route and then ski superbowl, but me and the mountain don't seem to be in shape for that adventure this year. I think superbowl is probably best enjoyed as a ski. The climb is certainly worth doing on its own.

 

We found the temps and snowpack to be nice and cold - more so than expected. We did see plenty of recent slide activity, but the snow was firm for us.

 

We left T-line at 12:30, hit the summit at 7 and were back to the car by 9.

 

In hindsight we probably could have left an hour later, and we all would have been comfortable climbing with a second tool and no rope. It was nice to have the rope while circumnavigating crevasses on the White River Glacier in the dark.

 

Obligatory sunrise shot - of course this doesn't do justice to the real thing:

 

Nice to get above the clouds on an overcast morning:

 

In this photo you can see some recent slides and what is left of the avy debris from the monster slab avalanches that came down Heather Canyon this spring:

 

 

Obligatory shot of Jeff, Faith, Hope and Charity:

 

 

Obligatory north-looking shot of St. Helens, Adams and Rainier:

 

 

 

 

 

Gear Notes:

Powerful headlamp is key - thanks Dillon!

[Ptown_Climber1]

Love it.....have been wanting to do that route for some time. Great pics....

How high up south side did you go before crossing White River Canyon?

[ptownclimber]

Just above the top of the Palmer - about 8,500 feet. Looking at it on the way down...I didn't see a better traverse. We were able to traverse with very little elevation loss.